Sometimes, the best way to grow is to step into unfamiliar territory—and that’s exactly what Dean Holden did when he took his coaching journey overseas.
But now, he’s decided not to take the next big leap just yet.
Turning Down the Top Job at Adana Demirspor
Despite being offered the main managerial role at Turkish club Adana Demirspor, Holden has decided to pass on the opportunity.
The 45-year-old has been working as the assistant coach with the club, but after their relegation from Turkey’s top flight, he was asked by club executives to take over the reins and lead the team back up to the Super Lig.
Holden, however, chose not to accept the offer—for now.
Keeping His Options Open
While turning down the role might seem surprising, Holden’s reasoning makes sense.
He’s reportedly attracting interest from clubs in England, and there are also opportunities waiting for him in Major League Soccer (MLS) across the Atlantic.
Though he still has a year left on his contract with Adana, he’s clearly taking time to carefully weigh his next move. He’s not in a rush—and with multiple doors potentially opening, who could blame him?
Growth Through Challenge in Turkey
Holden has been open about the value of his time in Turkey.
Living on-site at Adana Demirspor’s training ground, he’s immersed himself fully in the experience.
“I felt I could accelerate my learning way more here than going back to England,” he explained.
“I wanted to test myself in a completely different environment—one where the language is a barrier and you have to be sharp, clear, and connected with players even through a translator.”
During his time with the club, he implemented individual development plans and saw noticeable progress in younger players.
Lessons Learned from Steven Gerrard
Before his stint in Turkey, Holden served as assistant to Steven Gerrard at Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq. And it’s clear that time left a lasting impression.
“Steven sees the game in such a unique way,” Holden shared.
“As his assistant, I was constantly learning.
He gave me room to be creative, to challenge him, and bring my own ideas.
It felt like five years of coaching experience packed into one.”
He even compared it to training in a different profession: “If you were a doctor, you’d pay to observe the best brain surgeon in the world. That’s how valuable that time was.”
A Career Built on Varied Experiences
Dean Holden’s coaching path has been anything but dull.
From managing clubs like Oldham Athletic, Bristol City, Stoke City, and Charlton Athletic, to assisting Gerrard in Saudi Arabia and coaching in Turkey, he’s taken every opportunity to grow—often in places far from home.
Now, as he weighs the next step in his journey, one thing’s for sure: he’s not afraid to challenge himself, and wherever he ends up next, he’ll bring a wealth of experience with him.